XLP vs. VDC: Are Lower Fees Better Than Broader Exposure?

Core Insights - The Vanguard Consumer Staples ETF (VDC) and the State Street Consumer Staples Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLP) provide exposure to the U.S. consumer staples sector, with XLP being slightly cheaper and offering a higher yield, while VDC has a broader portfolio and better five-year returns [1][2][8] Cost & Size - VDC has an expense ratio of 0.09% and assets under management (AUM) of $8.6 billion, while XLP has a lower expense ratio of 0.08% and a larger AUM of $15.3 billion [3][4] - The one-year return for VDC is -2.4% compared to XLP's -3.4%, and the dividend yield for VDC is 2.2% versus XLP's 2.7% [3][4] Performance & Risk Comparison - Over five years, VDC has a maximum drawdown of -17.6% and has grown $1,000 to $1,246, while XLP has a maximum drawdown of -17.8% and has grown $1,000 to $1,180 [5] Portfolio Composition - XLP holds 36 stocks with a 100% allocation to consumer defensive companies, led by Walmart (11.9%), Costco Wholesale (9.2%), and Procter & Gamble (7.8%) [6] - VDC has a broader approach with 105 holdings, 98% in consumer defensive, and top positions including Walmart (14.2%), Costco Wholesale (13.0%), and Procter & Gamble (11.2%) [7] Investor Considerations - XLP's lower expense ratio and higher yield may attract cost- and income-focused investors, while VDC's broader portfolio and stronger five-year total return may appeal to those seeking diversification [8][10] - The concentration of XLP with only 36 stocks could be a risk if the largest holdings underperform, whereas VDC's wider scope may provide better resilience [9][10]